Teens Lobbying Against the Kids Online Safety Act

vote, they will consider our perspectives,” said Matt. Over 300 high school students recently lobbied against the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) in Congress, expressing concerns that the legislation, which passed the Senate with 91 votes, could limit their access to vital information and resources online. KOSA aims to impose new responsibilities on tech platforms to protect minors from harms like cyberbullying and mental health issues. While parent advocates support the bill, organizations like the ACLU argue it could stifle free speech and disproportionately affect marginalized groups. The students emphasized their digital literacy and the importance of having access to diverse information, particularly in light of increasing book bans and restrictive laws in schools. They voiced fears that KOSA could lead to over-censorship by tech companies, limiting their ability to share and receive critical health information, including resources related to addiction and mental health. Some students acknowledged potential benefits of KOSA, such as reducing addictive features on platforms, but overall, they felt the bill's approach could do more harm than good. The teens highlighted the disconnect between lawmakers and youth, stressing the need for their voices to be heard in discussions about online safety and access to information. As KOSA moves to the House, the students remain hopeful that their advocacy will influence the final outcome.